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He didn’t need to look behind him, but he did. Sugar wrapped herself around the edge of the partition.
Go away.
But she didn’t. He took off his protective shades, took out his earplugs, and gave her a nod but didn’t offer a response. Instead, he punched the button, and his shot up cardboard target raced forward on the track and came to a stop, swaying. Each gunshot landed where he’d intended. His precision was a work of black powder beauty.
“Hey, champ. That’s your everyday carry?”
He nodded, curt and not friendly. “You’re here to make small talk?”
“Look, we got off on the wrong shitkicker. I’m far past outrageous. I get that. Cash told me you thought I was…offering more services than I actually do.”
He closed his eyes so she didn’t see them roll. Cash was earning his ass kicking. “I didn’t mean—”
“Of course you did. But don’t sweat it. I threw myself at you. And Cash rightfully assumed I would, which is why he brought you here. I can be a distraction, I know. So, you’re doing okay?”
He watched her take small steps closer. Her hips swung more than they needed to, and she flipped her now-down hair over a shoulder.
“And you’re distracted from whatever you need distracting from?”
“Guess so.” Firing off each shot cleared his mind. It was a first since he woke up in that hospital bed.
“So here’s the deal. I’m not a pro. Nor am I insulted you thought so. You, Winters, you have a body to jump. I’ll distract the hell out of you, if you’re interested.” She stepped close, ran a finger over his pec, and stood on tiptoes to reach his ear. “I promise you, whatever is weighing heavy on your mind will wash away.”
She flicked a tongue onto his earlobe. He flinched.
“You’re keyed up. I can do something for you, baby.”
Her hand dropped further, cupping him.
He grabbed her hand off and dropped it. “Not interested.”
She ignored him and crushed her body onto his. “It’s your circus. I’m just here for the rides.”
“Not interested.” The muscles in his neck tensed, and he leaned away from her mouth. If she kept rubbing him, disinterested or not, she was going to get a reaction out of him. And he was, without a doubt, not interested.
She pulled back, her tongue dancing over her lips again.
“If you change your mind, I’ll be in my office.” She pointed down a hall at the end of the lanes then trailed her hand across his bicep. “This time. Next time. Whenever. I sense my kind, and darlin’, you’re my kind. It’d be fun for both of us. Think it over.”
She winked at him and turned away, swinging her ass in those tight pants. He really should’ve thought about it. He needed his old normal. Sugar was his style and didn’t ask for a morning after. That was exactly what he liked in a woman.Right? He shook his head, confused. He didn’t know what he liked anymore.
He was tired and cranky and empty. It made him wish Mia was waiting for him at home all the more.
Winters dropped the clip from the gun, reloaded, and holstered the piece. It was time to head home. Whatever Cash was up to, he could finish later. Sugar lurked within eyeshot, and he wanted to get away.
He spotted Cash, signaled to go, and headed to his truck. The door was unlocked, and he hopped in with Cash hot on his heels. Cash jumped in, threw it in reverse, and traced their return path.
“Sugar didn’t do it for ya?”
“You told her I said she was a pro. That wasn’t an awkward convo.”
“I didn’t say pro. I said madam.”
Winters glared at him. “Big fucking difference.”
“So she’s not your type anymore?”
“I don’t have a type.”